Are they ok?

A

Alfie1234

New Born Pup
Joined
Mar 29, 2025
Messages
5
Reaction score
5
Points
55
Location
Chesterfield
Hi ! I got my guinea pigs about 24 hrs ago I have 2 guineas and one of them comes out and sneaks about when it’s quiet and is eating and drinking but the other one is not moving from his hide at all even when I went to check if he was ok he did not run or anything like that just stayed still? I’m worried if he isn’t eating and drinking ect! And I don’t know when to try and start handling if there so skittish I don’t want to stress them
thanks
 
Welcome to the forum

It is very normal for piggies to be scared as they are prey animals. We recommend they are just left alone with the cage covered with a sheet for the first week to allow them to settle in. They don’t like to feel exposed so the sheet can help them feel safe. Usually they come out to eat when you aren’t around.
Put hay inside their hides so they can eat freely.

Settling in takes time - weeks to months usually. Most piggies don’t like being handled and again it will take weeks to months, sometimes years before they enjoy a cuddle. Some never enjoy a cuddle and handling needs to be kept purely to the weekly weight and health checks.
We recommend from week two you sit by their cage and talk to them and start to offer food from your hand (which they may well not take for quite some time)
Really it’s about playing it all by ear and taking things very slowly and patiently.

If you are at all concerned that there is a health issue at play, then you will need to take them to the vet.

New Owners' Essential Information and Practical Tips Starter Collection
Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering and Cuddling Tips
How Do I Settle Shy New Guinea Pigs?
How To Pick Up And Weigh Your Guinea Pigs Safely (videos)
 
Welcome to the forum.
Time and patience are needed to settle new piggies.
Talk to them so they get used to your voice, predators don’t chat to their prey.
I used to discuss current affairs or read stories to mine.
It doesn’t matter what you say.

Hope you enjoy the forum
 
Merab said:
Welcome to the forum.
Time and patience are needed to settle new piggies.
Talk to them so they get used to your voice, predators don’t chat to their prey.
I used to discuss current affairs or read stories to mine.
It doesn’t matter what you say.

Hope you enjoy the forum
Click to expand...
Thanks !
 
Welcome to the forum and (it will be) the wonderful world of piggies. Because it can take so long for them to trust us, every little bit of progress feels magical. It's absolutely worth the time we put in, especially when you see their personalities develop.
 
Hello and welcome …..we’ve all been there and know how you are feeling
All the advice is perfect and in time you will see little glimpses of their personalities
We’d love to know what they’re called and when you’re able a photo or two 🥰
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top